The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced on Mar. 26 that a record number of members of Congress have signed a bipartisan letter urging the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to fund the C-130J Super Hercules program. The effort follows a letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant, who called on lawmakers to support continued production of the aircraft.
The issue is significant because the C-130J program not only supports U.S. military readiness but also sustains thousands of jobs across the country. According to IAM, more than 33,000 direct and indirect jobs and nearly 500 suppliers in 38 states depend on this program.
The congressional letter asks appropriators to add eight C-130Js for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, six Navy Reserve KC-130Js, four LC-130J ski-equipped aircraft for the Air National Guard, and $100 million for fleetwide Diminishing Manufacturing Sources remediation.
Bryant said in his letter that “the C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlifter currently in production.” He added: “A stable and efficient C-130J production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements. In addition, the C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-quality IAM Union jobs at Lockheed Martin and across the nationwide supply chain.”
Supporters argue that continued investment will help recapitalize aging U.S. airlift fleets while sustaining manufacturing jobs nationwide.
